The GumdropButton Blog

that contains so many possibilities! Keva Planks are hands down one of my favourite building toys - their simplicity sparks imagination and a challenge!

Exploration Place, Prince George BC Photo by T. Mayert

They are fun to play with AND teach our kids (and adults!) mathematics and science. They are also perfect for any age or ability level. How tall can you build before your creation falls over? What could you do better next time? Could you build a _______?​​The simple shape makes it easy for kids to unleash their imaginations, but if you need a starting point each box comes with a guide full of ideas and challenges - plus check out the Keva Planks website, under the educators tab there is a wealth of information and projects including pictures for every age and ability!!

I really like the Brain Builders sets (available in Junior and 3D Challenges) because they are PORTABLE! Perfect for killing time at a restaurant, doctor's office and small enough to fit in your purse or diaper bag. Each set comes with 20 planks, cards with various challenges, & a little bag to store them in!

What fun have you had with Keva Planks? Share your pictures on our Facebook Page!

live the Shadowlings, mythical creatures who dwell in their hiding spaces and have never been seen in the light. The Seeker has heard the stories of these curious Shadowlings and has always wished to see one in person. Each night, the Seeker searches the forest with the Lantern trying to find all of them and prove the stories are true. Every night, the Shadowlings are too quick and avoid the light of the Lantern; will they be so lucky tonight?"(Excerpt from the Instruction Manual of Shadows in the Forest by Thinkfun)

Are you intrigued? Shadows in the Forest is a family game with 2 to 7 players! As a family of five with a wide range in ages, it can be hard to find a game that we can all play and enjoy. This game hit all those points, and you can customize the difficulty of play.

My kids, including the 13 year old loved this game! Its a combination of cooperation and strategy, but not super hard - my six year old keeps bugging me to play again and again :)One person is in control of the lantern, aka the seeker and everyone else is in charge of the Shadowlings and needs to work together to keep them safe and ultimately get them all to one hiding spot to win the game! We suggest using at least one more Shadowling than there are players and using less hiding places for longer game play - overall we give the game a 5 out of 5 for fun, ease and laughs!

The game has some set up that needs to be done before play, doesn't take very long but if you have some impatient types, its nice to know! I also suggest having a small flashlight if you are playing with younger ones, it can be difficult for them to see the Shadowlings when it is time for them to move! The instruction booklet is well laid out and the rules are simple and easy. If you are more of a visual learner, I liked this video from Geek & Sundry - ​www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvJJ2b1RUz0